From the coast up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, comes my personal comic book blog, primarily related to comic books, as well as movies, books and television. BeachBumComics blog can also be found on Facebook & Pinterest.

Monday, July 14, 2014

KING OF LEE FALK'S THE PHANTOM IN COMICS BILL LIGNANTE !!!

Dell, Gold Key, King and Charlton Comics artist Bill Lignante was primarily known for his outstanding work on The
Phantom (over 30 issues.) I loved reading the comic strip in the newspaper long before I discovered comic books.

Bill Lignante was notable for his varied career in comic strips, comic books, courtroom sketch artist and animator.Lignante wrote of his 26 years as a courtroom sketch artist, "None of these compare to the instant art of the
courtroom. No roughs, research, conferences, assistants, editors and no
time. What you see, you draw, so that the world can see it too."

Bill also had a 16 year career as an animator for Hanna-Barbera on The Batman/Superman Hour, Dynomutt, Dog Wonder and Yogi Bear.

King Comics, Lignante also illustrated Mandrake the Magician #1 (also created by lengendary Lee Falk, prior to his creating the Phantom.)

At Gold Key Comics, Bill drew three issues of the Girl
from U.N.C.L.E. and Secret Agent #1 (John Drake.) For the longest time, I wondered who illustrated these television tie-in comic books, now I know.

I always loved the photo and painted covers on Gold Key (Dell/Western) Comics. Also, there were terrific original stories used, not just adaptations. And often, movie posters (Valley of the Gwangi, Dirty Dozen and Around the World Under the Sea to name a few) were used for the movie tie-in comic books.

I've admired Bill Lignante for a long time, even though I didn't realize it for a long time as well.He was a great illustrator in all of his fields of expertise. Live Large.Thank you.

WEIRD TALES OF THE MACABRE #1

MARVEL PREMIERE #44 FEATURING THE JACK OF HEARTS!

After effecting a rescue at sea, Jack of Hearts is going home, to his estate in Connecticut. Once there, he receives an ominous invitation from Hemlock. Written by Bill Mantlo with art by Keith Giffen & Rudy Nebres. Recommended!

I SPY BY JOHN TIGER

Exciting tie-in novel by Walter (Telefon) Wager, writing as John Tiger, based on the smash TV hit series I Spy.

I SPY MESSAGE FROM MOSCOW BY BRANDON KEITH

Recommended I Spy novel by author of Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Gentle Saboteur Affair & The Affair of the Goldrunner's Gold.

CHARLTON PREMIERE #2 "CHILDREN OF DOOM"

One of my all time favorite comic book stories, by Denny O'Neil & Pat Boyette. Stunnning! Partially in B&W and color!